[nellie.haddad]

What other similar cars did you test drive before you decided on the Taos? I value responsive driving, AWD, a quiet engine, and small is better than big (I'm only 4'10"). I'm trying to decide between the Taos (we have a 2018 Tiguan that we love) or the Mazda CX-30. Any thoughts or considerations that would help me decide would be welcome!

 

[jasonwhite13]

They aren't really comparable. I loved my Mazda, but the CX-30 is so tiny and very little cargo space. But the Mazda is more reliable.

 

[nellie.haddad]

Thanks for the response! I'm pretty tiny, so that's not a dealbreaker. And reliable is really important to me. We have a Tiguan that's been very reliable, so I'm surprised that the Taos is less so. Which is more fun to drive? I also had a Miata that was both reliable and really fun to drive, so my experiences with both brands has been good. When I get on the forums, it seems that people have lots of complaints about both. I'm a bit torn.

 

[Misha7128]

I drive Taos SEL since January 2021 - great car! Fun to drive. No complaints

 

[nellie.haddad]

I drive Taos SEL since January 2021 - great car! Fun to drive. No complaints

Good to know. I've been on both forums and I guess people will have complaints no matter what. Nice to know that you don't have any! Very reassuring!

 

[Sam2022]

The CX-30 was one of my candidates, but smaller cargo space was a deal-breaker for me. If cargo space wasn't an important criteria, then I'd likely would've considered the CX-30 as Japanese cars are known to be the most reliable.

I came from Subaru, but they had major issues with inventory and had significantly jacked up their prices, which no longer made them a good value.

So far, happy with the Taos and no nightmare issues that many have experienced with the 2022 1st year model. I hope VW had actually worked out all the kinks for the 2023 model!

 

[nellie.haddad]

The CX-30 was one of my candidates, but smaller cargo space was a deal-breaker for me. If cargo space wasn't an important criteria, then I'd likely would've considered the CX-30 as Japanese cars are known to be the most reliable. I came from Subaru, but they had major issues with inventory and had significantly jacked up their prices, which no longer made them a good value. So far, happy with the Taos and no nightmare issues that many have experienced with the 2022 1st year model. I hope VW had actually worked out all the kinks for the 2023 model!

Thank you! That’s really helpful!

 

[FJB]

Some people have a hard time getting used to the DSG transmission in modern VWs. They want to drive the vehicle like it has a traditional automatic transmission, which it does not. This applies to the TAOS as well. All I can say is that the DSG paired to the 4-motion is brilliant, once you understand how it's operating. There are times when stopped at a light that I can't even tell the engine is running or that car has a dual-clutch setup.

 

[Kellie B.]

The CX-30 was one of my candidates, but smaller cargo space was a deal-breaker for me. If cargo space wasn't an important criteria, then I'd likely would've considered the CX-30 as Japanese cars are known to be the most reliable.

I came from Subaru, but they had major issues with inventory and had significantly jacked up their prices, which no longer made them a good value.

So far, happy with the Taos and no nightmare issues that many have experienced with the 2022 1st year model. I hope VW had actually worked out all the kinks for the 2023 model!

I just purchased a 2023 SEL 4-motion. Please tell me you are still happy with yours!

 

[Sam2022]

I just purchased a 2023 SEL 4-motion. Please tell me you are still happy with yours!

Congrats and welcome! Yep, still happy with mine, and I do like the way it drives and handles compared to the Subaru I had. It felt familiar to me, because I once had an Audi in the past, which is pretty German. My base S 4Motion is perfect for me as I did not want all the bells and whistles and just needed something simple that did not rely on so much tech. I feel that the more complex a vehicle gets, then the more that could potentially go wrong. But that's just my own personal opinion and preference.

Also, our 2023 are 2nd year models, which means VW should have ironed out the majority of the issues. Do not intend to sound mean, but 1st year models are usually Beta testers. So have to admire the early adopters, who are brave enough to take the chance! Some might get lucky and have no issues while others might have some major lemons.

Anyway, continuing to cross my fingers and hope no issues in the years to come! Enjoy your new ride!

 

[JET_83]

What other similar cars did you test drive before you decided on the Taos? I value responsive driving, AWD, a quiet engine, and small is better than big (I'm only 4'10"). I'm trying to decide between the Taos (we have a 2018 Tiguan that we love) or the Mazda CX-30. Any thoughts or considerations that would help me decide would be welcome!

I just recently purchased the SE with FWD, I love it! I test drove the AWD version with DSG and shifts were far too jerky for me, the traditional 8-speed is the way to go, unfortunately you can't get the AWD with the traditional 8-speed, otherwise I would've.

 

[Pzookey]

Couldn't test drive the Mazda, I couldn't fit in the drivers seat. Got the Taos in November of 21 and 31000 miles later still love it. test drove the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Jeep Renegade (Barely fit in it), and a Kia Soul (soul killer is more like it).
I fit in every seat of the Taos which is surprising as I am 6'6" tall and tip the scales just over 300lbs. awesome interior space for such a small vehicle.

 

[JET_83]

Couldn't test drive the Mazda, I couldn't fit in the drivers seat. Got the Taos in November of 21 and 31000 miles later still love it. test drove the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Jeep Renegade (Barely fit in it), and a Kia Soul (soul killer is more like it).
I fit in every seat of the Taos which is surprising as I am 6'6" tall and tip the scales just over 300lbs. awesome interior space for such a small vehicle.

lol, that’s how it was for me in the Jetta, no head room either, that’s why ultimately chose the Taos and am so glad I did, I love it!

 

[Sam2022]

Couldn't test drive the Mazda, I couldn't fit in the drivers seat. Got the Taos in November of 21 and 31000 miles later still love it. test drove the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Jeep Renegade (Barely fit in it), and a Kia Soul (soul killer is more like it).
I fit in every seat of the Taos which is surprising as I am 6'6" tall and tip the scales just over 300lbs. awesome interior space for such a small vehicle.

Lol, I think Asian cars are generally designed for shorter Asians in mind,and German cars are designed for taller Caucasian folks. But we all come in different sizes despite our various backgrounds

 

[JET_83]

Lol, I think Asian cars are generally designed for shorter Asians in mind,and German cars are designed for taller Caucasian folks. But we all come in different sizes despite our various backgrounds

😂 no doubt